The remote Central Suriname Nature Reserve in the tropical heart of Suriname is home to one of the most pristine rainforests in the world. This massive rainforest reserve is a paradise for those looking for an undisturbed nature and a wealth of flora and fauna, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Central Suriname Nature Reserve became a World Heritage Site in 2000, and the remote region is now being developed into a premier ecotourism destination.
Remote jungle region located in the Sipaliwini district of central Suriname, 200 km southwest of the capital Paramaribo, Central Suriname Nature Reserve (or CSNR) was established in 1998. The vast reserve contains three former smaller protected areas of Raleighvallen, Eilerts de Haan Gebergte and Tafelberg, now totalling over 1.6 million hectares of tropical jungle in the Guyana Highlands and along Coppername River. Tourism infrastructure such as lodges and airstrips are now being built in the remote area to promote ecotourism in Suriname. Although settled by the Carib Indians in Pre-Columbian times, Central Suriname Nature Reserve has today no permanent inhabitants. Tareno and Saamake Indians and Kwinti Maroon people act as guides and porters in the reserve.
Touring the jungle. Small plane and riverboat tours in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are available to the Raleighvallen area in the north of the reserve along the Coppername River, Kayser area in the south, and Tafelberg area with flat-topped table mountains. One of these, Voltzberg Dome in Raleighvallen area can be easily climbed by visitors. The nearby Raleigh Falls are also a popular sight for visitors. Trekking in Central Suriname Nature Reserve is great in the Raleighvallen area. The remote Wilhelmina Mountain range in the south of CSNR hosts the highest peak in Suriname, Juliana Top. In addition to rainforests, also savanna areas can be found in CSNR. Many parts of the vast reserve are still unexplored.
Remote jungle region located in the Sipaliwini district of central Suriname, 200 km southwest of the capital Paramaribo, Central Suriname Nature Reserve (or CSNR) was established in 1998. The vast reserve contains three former smaller protected areas of Raleighvallen, Eilerts de Haan Gebergte and Tafelberg, now totalling over 1.6 million hectares of tropical jungle in the Guyana Highlands and along Coppername River. Tourism infrastructure such as lodges and airstrips are now being built in the remote area to promote ecotourism in Suriname. Although settled by the Carib Indians in Pre-Columbian times, Central Suriname Nature Reserve has today no permanent inhabitants. Tareno and Saamake Indians and Kwinti Maroon people act as guides and porters in the reserve.
Sights & activities in Central Suriname: mountain & rainforest tours, wildlife & trekking
There is great potential for nature tourism in Suriname, and Central Suriname Nature Reserve is one of the most impressive rainforest wilderness areas in South America. The main attraction of the reserve is wildlife. The remote region hosts a great biodiversity that attracts also scientists from all over the world to CSNR. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are very rewarding, as the vast reserve hosts over 400 bird species and over 160 mammals, including 8 species of monkeys, jaguars, sloths, tapirs and giant armadillos. The immense pristine rainforests of both montane and lowland types with 30 meters high trees and a great diversity of over 5,000 plant species are equally stunning. Other attractions in the area include many waterfalls, scenic table mountains, and native Amerindian and Bushnegro cultures of the nearby communities.Touring the jungle. Small plane and riverboat tours in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are available to the Raleighvallen area in the north of the reserve along the Coppername River, Kayser area in the south, and Tafelberg area with flat-topped table mountains. One of these, Voltzberg Dome in Raleighvallen area can be easily climbed by visitors. The nearby Raleigh Falls are also a popular sight for visitors. Trekking in Central Suriname Nature Reserve is great in the Raleighvallen area. The remote Wilhelmina Mountain range in the south of CSNR hosts the highest peak in Suriname, Juliana Top. In addition to rainforests, also savanna areas can be found in CSNR. Many parts of the vast reserve are still unexplored.
Photo: digitalART2, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Central Suriname travel information & practical tips
The climate in the interior of Suriname tropically hot and humid throughout the year. There are two rainy seasons, from April to August and from December to January, although some rainfall is expected throughout the year - it is called a rainforest after all! The higher areas within the reserve generally receive more rain then the lower-lying ones.Getting there. Travelling to Central Suriname Nature Reserve is not the easiest task. There are direct flights to Suriname available form the Netherlands, Trinidad, Brazil, Aruba and French Guyana. Visas are required from most nationalities. From Paramaribo, you can travel to Central Suriname Nature Reserve by small plane, or by a combination of road and boat travel. Note that the roads in Suriname are not in very good condition. Traveling within the reserve is by boat or foot only. As the area is very remote, travelling without a tour group is not recommended.
Limited services. Lodges in Central Suriname Nature Reserve can be found in several areas, for example in the reserve headquarters on Foengoe Island. New lodges are being built in and near to the reserve. Restaurants in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are restricted to the lodges, and tour groups to the area usually have full board meals available. Instead of nightlife and shopping, CSNR offers plenty of peace and quiet, a rare commodity in today's world.
Safety. Central Suriname is a wild and remote region with many possibilities to get yourself injured or killed, so make sure you do not venture out into the jungle by yourself. Theft may also happen in the area.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Paramaribo
